Cyberbullying blamed in death of Canadian teen

Today on the net, the suicide of a teenage girl sends shockwaves across Canada; a highly ranked officer in China has sparked outraged with his avian flu comments; and an online campaign in Uganda to save the miniskirt.

Cyberbullying blamed in death of Canadian teen

The death last week of Canadian teenager Rehtaeh Parsons has sent shockwaves across the local web. Her mother has posted a moving message to a Facebook page set up in her memory, saying the 17 year old was raped by four boys around two years ago, and photos of the incident found their way online. She claims the cruel bullying and constant harassment that ensued prompted her daughter to take her own life: a desperate act which has stirred up strong feelings across Canada.

Many have taken to social networks to express their outrage and extend their condolences to Rehtaeh’s family. Web users are also saying they simply cannot understand the behaviour and attitude of those that played a part in her wanting to take her own life, they are calling for proper and harsh punishments for anyone involved in cyber bullying.

Sadly this is not the first case of its kind in Canada: back in October 2012, 15 year old Amanda Todd took her own life after suffering incessant cyber bullying. Her death set off a public outcry at the time, with a number of politicians vowing to tackle the problem; but the problem remains, and can often have dramatic consequences…

Chinese colonel sparks online outrage with avian flu comments

With fears growing in China after the new strain of avian flu claims more lives, comments made by Chinese air force colonel Dai Xu on micro blogging site Sina Weibo this weekend have sparked lively reaction on the local web. The high ranking officer, and renowned military strategist, said Beijing should not be over concerned by the spread of avian flu because according to official estimations, not very many people will die from it.

The post, parts of which have since been removed, has been met with widespread indignation, with many taking to the web to voice their outrage. Social networkers, like the person who wrote this message, say Dai Xu’s comments are deplorable and illustrate how some of the country’s top officials have very little respect for human life.

This other web user agrees, saying for China’s leaders, the bird flu victims are just another statistic among many others. He wonders if Dai Xu will still be saying the same thing if a member of his family or someone close to him becomes infected with the virus.

The affair has garnered so much online attention that some are calling on the government to reprimand the author of the shocking remarks. This web user for example says this would most probably be the best way for Beijing to show the people of China they are actively addressing this public health problem.

Now trending on social networks

Web users in Uganda have been posting under the hashtag #SaveTheMiniskirt, expressing opposition to a bill seeking to ban women wearing miniskirts, which lawmakers deem indecent dressing. The ethics and Integrity Minister Simon Lokodo says the legislation will make women safer but it has received extensive criticism from social networkers, who say it is ridiculous and a liberty killer. Web users are also commenting that the Ugandan government should have more important issues to focus on like education and the health system.

Cats imitating male models

This Tumblr blog features cats imitating the poses adopted by male models in advertising campaigns … the site pits the male models against cute kitties and will no doubt bring a smile to the faces of cat lovers everywhere…

Video of the day

As we can see here, the people who made this video are just big kids: they decided to build a ball pit in their living room. It looks a lot fun and could well inspire some parents to give their children a nice surprise...